Ocean Lady update

ChattingLil

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Well we have taken the plunge and dropped off the cliff. We are now awaiting readiness of Ocean Lady - OL for short - or Oh Hell in exasperation. or OHWHWD (pronounced ohwowed) = Oh Hell What Have We Done. :eek:


Anyway, Fox's are now commissioned and work order in place for the installation of an electrical system that will enable us to use shore-power and have some home comforts.

Am meeting with the electronics guy at the weekend to make a decision about what to do re a new depth and whether to move the location of it or not - more to the point - how much money we want to spend on the various options. Whether to go for short-term fix (cheaper) or a longer term solution.

Need to chase up Fox's re the quotes for the plumbing / holding tanks remedy and improvements.

New spray hood and cockpit tent on hold because I don't think we can afford it this year and also, I haven't yet been able to find anyone to help me re the hardscreen.

Carpentry wishlist also on hold due to heart failure at cost. I really hadn't expected it to be so much. We will attempt some of it ourselves - well, the bits that will be hidden by upholstery anyway.

It is our intention to spend every weekend there from now on, so if you are around, please come and say hello and provide encouraging words.

:cool:
 
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Will not be at the boat for 3 weeks or so, but if you are still at Foxes, I'll come and say hello and wish you well. Always thought she was a smart ship when she was on brokerage. Don't get too frustrated at boatyard delays! They are all the same IMHO!
 
Will not be at the boat for 3 weeks or so, but if you are still at Foxes, I'll come and say hello and wish you well. Always thought she was a smart ship when she was on brokerage. Don't get too frustrated at boatyard delays! They are all the same IMHO!

I expect to be at Foxes until the end of August at least. We were hoping to be done there and in the Crouch by then for the cockpit tent, but if we are not having that done, then no hurry to be away before mid mid September.
 
As you know, we are about all the time - although we have a weeks hols booked for next week so expect rain!!
Can help with advice on local suppliers too.
Also, do a mean coffee......
 
thanks to help and advice received here (partic. thanks to Full Circles, Wingdiver, Guapa and Sailorman) and hereabouts - we are progressing.

Paint touch-up kits on order and due to be delivered this week.
240v system and all associated gubbins in the process of being installed by whizzo at Fox's.
NMEA 'backbone' and Triton displays plus ss transducers for log and depth on order and being fitted by aforementioned whizzo.
Antifouling paint to be delivered today for application next weekend - hope the good weather keeps up.

Jobs we have done:
Smashed up the saloon sofa :rolleyes: awating time to reconfigure it into a more comfy lounging spot.
Started the reupholstering of the saloon cushions (v smart, even if I do say so myself).
Rust spots on deck and stanchion bases attacked, treated and primed awaiting the zillions coatings of paint.
Prepared the hull for a/f.
Started polishing the prop (bit worried by pitting)
About a third of the way through washing and cleaning the running rigging - there is a lot of it! Six sails worth! More than just ropes getting in a twist.

Next weekend we'll be be polishing the hull, prop and applying a/f. Depth and log should be done in the next fortnight - so hoping to be launched by early August...


And thanks to everyone who has stopped by and said nice things - very encouraging and kind!
 
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Chuffed to bits for you!
The hard work is all worth it. May see you 1st week of August, weather depending.



We are just waiting to receive our AutoBrain back from Raymarine and we're off this Friday.
 
Good news then , we will be meandering up the coast from fambridge starting the 29th July so after exploring Wivenhoe for a day will make our way to Suffolk , will try and make foxes a port of call and pop by for a beer or 3 ..... Keep up the good work ..
 
Fornightly update - not a great deal to report, apart from slow and steady progress:

Re-upholstery continues.
Bed improved and made much larger - yippee.
More cleaning.
Nearly all running rigging cleaned and put back. Only two items lost in mast - so not too bad considering how much of it there is!
Only two items of rigging worn enough to warrant replacement.
Electrics installation ongoing and due to be complete by this coming weekend.
Electronics on order and due for fitting next week.
Three coats of antifouling applied (14 litres). Not forgetting the 'tie-in' coat.
Two coats of polish (gosh that IS hard work). More polishing next weekend.
Fender baskets applied.
Fridge regassed and now working brilliantly. Thanks to Paul from Haven. Much recommended.

Prop cleaned and polished enough to know that it will not suffice to simply leave it burnished. So Prop-o-drev ordered to be applied next week.

Have also been delighted to receive lots of visitors who have all be gracious enough to keep any negativity to themselves, but to offer kind words of encouragment and advice. Thanks to Habebty, Karouise, Sailorman (again), Cindy and Mick from Wilkinsons, Clive and Mcsailing.

Also, have to say, Fox's have been great to us so far. I really feel they are working WITH us to ensure we get things right for our requirements.
 
Are you going to be at Fox's a week on Saturday?

Weather permitting Brigantia may be exploring the delights of Ipswich that weekend!
 
affirmative.
Every weekend until we are not.
;)

Would be lovely to see you and if you end up in the town or Shotley, just call and I'll come and fetch you.

Cool!

Well weather and the Wallet (as in the channel rather than the pocket variety) permitting, Jane and I are tentatively planning to spend next weekend into the following week pottering around the Blackwater before heading up to Ipswich on Thursday/Friday so the dear lady wife can have a shopping spree :eek: and then wend our way back to Fambridge over Sunday, Monday and Tuesday (assuming my employers can manage to read the year planner this time and don't mess my holiday up ... again)

As Fox's is a Transeurope marina and therefore half price I've told the DLW she's got to walk into town but I suspect we may end up in the town on Friday night and then drop downriver to Fox's on Saturday
 
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